Speedy release of GRIF Funds needed

- to ensure continuity of demarcation and land titling projects – Amerindian Affairs Minister

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

This year, enhanced focus will be placed on the implementation of the Presidential grants and National Hinterland Development programmes while the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2011/2012), will see emphasis being place on titling, demarcation and land extensions.

To facilitate the latter, there is need for the speedy release of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) funds, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai said today during the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

“Two years on and we are now closer to conclusion, notwithstanding the tremendous pressure placed on the Ministry, to respond to queries as to when lands are to be titled and demarcated, also reminding us that the village councils followed all the legislative process, before submitting applications,” she said.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing attendees at the 6th NTC

Minister Sukhai stated that it is most offensive to Government when Amerindians’ right to land is infringed by delays, when land is a critical component to the cultural and economic wellbeing of Amerindians.

Held under the theme, “Establishing Strategic Approaches and Alliances for Sustaining Amerindian Development, the Sixth NTC today commenced attracting Toshaos, Village Leaders and Councillors from far flung communities.

Minister Sukhai pointed to the fact that the NTC forum which seeks to have Amerindian issues addressed, is also essential as it demonstrates the openness and accessibility of the Government.

Alluding to accountability, Minister Sukhai stated that the Administration can boast of addressing manifesto commitments, and has over the years, transformed promises into programmes to better the lives of Indigenous people, despite limited resources.

“Efforts dedicated by this Government to build on achievements attained with respect to the improvements to the social and infrastructural development across the hinterland have today resulted in greater preparedness by villages to pursue the implementation of sustained economic activity,” she told the gathering.

Throughout the years, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has been committing huge sums for the implementation of village priority projects, such as agriculture and tourism.

“This move reinforces Government’s support to Amerindian participation in decision making and shaping their village development. It also establishes the recognition of the capacities and empowerment of Amerindian leaders and villagers,” she noted.

Moving ahead, the Ministries of Culture and Amerindian Affairs will be collaborating to further accelerate the development of sports and Amerindian language and culture through the completion of dictionaries in the nine Amerindian languages.

Minister Sukhai also called for greater attention to be placed on sustainable management and utilisation of forests and other natural resources owned by Amerindians, as the benefits derived will be invested into the further development of villages.